SAFFA19: Meerkat Moonship

The Story

“Sad, humorous, beautiful and full of hope and inspiration." — Africa.Film

Aspiring botanist Gideonette is convinced she’s destined to die at an early age because of a family curse—a belief that only intensifies after her father suddenly passes away. As the frightened 13-year-old recoils from the world, her mother sends her to stay with her grandparents on their lush farm. Despite her grief, Gideonette is mystified by their quirks: her grandfather spends his nights building an elaborate contraption dubbed a “meerkat moonship” for her new friend Bhubesi, a little boy who cheerfully spends his days training to be an astronaut. Combining the whimsy of Moonrise Kingdom with the dark magic of The Secret Garden, Meerkat Moonship is a mesmerising new South African fairytale for young and old.

Rating

Exempt

Country

ZA

Language

Afrikaans (English subtitles)

Cast

Anchen du Plessis, Rika Sennett, Pierre van Pletzen, Themba Ntuli

Director

Hanneke Schutte